Where the elephant roam
In a country jam-packed with vast, spectacularly beautiful landscapes, Kaokoland may just be the most incredible of them all. Deep in north-western Namibia, the area is a melee of towering mountains, sand dunes, and huge expanses of desert, scattered with unique wildlife and nomadic Himba settlements. It’s also one of Namibia’s most remote and wild environments, and one that not many will get the chance to discover in a lifetime.

And that’s exactly why we’ve decided to build Hoanib Valley Camp. A joint venture between the local communities and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the world’s only Africa-wide giraffe conservation organisation, the camp is an elegant, intimate affair that immerses you into the wilds of the desert. The six rooms blend seamlessly with the environment, offering a simple aesthetic that matches the rugged landscape down to a tee. Days are spent tracking endangered rhino, desert-adapted elephant, and of course desert-adapted giraffe, before retiring to your private veranda to marvel at the magnitude of your surroundings (G&T in hand).

Why You’ll Love Hoanib Valley Camp:
• Discover the true magnitude and magic of Namibia and visit a place that not many will ever have the chance to explore…
• This area is one of the best places to see desert adapted elephant, giraffe, lion, rhino, mountain zebra, and oryx.
• Sip a G&T on your private veranda and contemplate the stark beauty of the landscape spread out all around you.
• Learn more about the ground-breaking giraffe research that is being conducted in this remote corner of Namibia.
• Spend time with local Herero people and learn a little of their fascinating way of life in such a harsh climate.
• Embark on a guided nature walk and uncover the smaller flora and fauna of the desert.

HOANIB VALLEY CAMP ACCOMMODATIONS
Hoanib Valley’s six guest tents blend almost perfectly into the rugged environment. The colours, textures and patterns are inspired by the experience of the Hoanib; the rich ochre of the dunes, the geometric patterns of the Himba people and, of course, the giraffe that inspired the project. True to the ethos of Natural Selection, we’ve sourced materials locally, and you’ll find furniture shaped by the local Rundu carpenters and Himba carvers, and baskets weaved by the people of the Omba Project in Windhoek. The whole camp is a clean and green sort of place, leaving virtually no footprint on this fragile eco-system. It’s entirely solar powered to ensure carbon emissions are kept to a minimum, and the tents sit on decks made of a wood, bamboo and 70% recycled-material composite.
Accommodation & Amenities
• 6 tents: 5 twins, 1 family
• Ensuite bathrooms with indoor showers
• Wifi available: Yes
• Hairdryers: No
• Battery charging facilities: In the mess tent & in room
• Complimentary laundry service
• Child policy: We welcome children of all ages.
• Disabled access: Please enquire with reservations

HOANIB VALLEY CAMP ACTIVITIES

• Game drives to track desert adapted lion, elephant and giraffe.
• Nature walks.
• Rhino tracking.
• Cultural experiences with local Herero people.
• Learn more about the giraffe research happening in the area (please contact us for more information on project funding).

HOANIB VALLEY CAMP LANDSCAPE & WILDLIFE

Landscape
Deep in the north-western corner of Namibia, Kaokoland is one of the most remote, wild and marvellously unique areas of the country. It’s a land characterised by rolling dunes, rocky mountains and desert plains all criss-crossed by ancient, dry riverbeds, the roads of the area. Temporary Himba settlements dot the landscape, and scattered herds of desert-adapted elephant and giraffe are a common sight.

Hoanib Valley Camp itself is located in the Sesfontein Community Conservancy, our joint partners in the area. The camp itself is set back in a hidden valley and surrounded by a range of jagged mountains, just outside the private 500 square kilometre Palmwag Concession. Views are of the ephemeral Hoanib River that teems with resident elephant, giraffe, oryx and springbok. Although parts of the land have been designated ‘concession areas’ tourism is still limited, making a visit to this unspoiled corner even more memorable.

Wildlife
The wildlife of the Hoanib Valley is perfectly at home in the arid environment, and learning about their survival techniques is fascinating. Game drives will reveal desert-adapted elephant, as well as stately desert-adapted giraffe, and, if you’re very lucky, desert lion. Zebra, klipspringer and kudu move freely through the mountains, and you’ll find hardy herds of springbok and oryx, as well as steenbok picking their way across the dust-blown landscapes. The region is home to the largest population of free-ranging black rhino, and a day (or even a morning or an afternoon) tracking the magnificent beasts is an absolute must. Bird watchers, keep your eyes peeled for Monteiro’s hornbills or Ruppell’s korhaans in the valleys, and the imperious Verreaux’s eagle in the mountains.

Natural Selection Safaris